A 2020 Four Best List
With New York City theater in limbo for the foreseeable future, now seems the time to acknowledge the outstanding presentations of this COVID-19 era. [more]
One Long Extravaganza
All opinions in Darryl’s blog are his own and may conflict with an official review published on Theaterscene.net.
A native New Yorker, Darryl Reilly graduated from NYU with a BFA in Cinema Studies. For the Broadway League, (formerly The League of American Theatres and Producers) he developed, and for five years conducted their Broadway Open House Tours, which took visitors through The Theatre District and into several Broadway theaters. He contributed to Broadway Musicals Show by Show: Sixth Edition (Applause Books). Since 2013, he has reviewed theater, cabaret, and concerts for Theaterscene.net.
My Circle in the Square
“Romeo and Juliet” at this unique theater was the first Broadway show I saw. Rex Harrison, George C. Scott and Brian Bedford were also memorable there. [more]
Jules Feiffer’s Grown Ups
This 1980’s obscure and brief-running dark work is my favorite play. I later met the author’s wife, which inspired Rupert Pupkin-style delusions.
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Pandemic Diversions
Darryl Reilly, Critic Like many, I have sought solace through entertainment during these first [more]
The Last Theater Show
Here are accounts of productions I attended just before live performances traumatically ceased in NYC due to COVID-19; one review was not published before. [more]
Vincent Price Was Oscar Wilde
There are happy and distracting memories to ponder while the arts and life are in limbo due to COVID-19. Lauren Bacall also appears in this recollection. [more]
In Praise of Frances Sternhagen on her 90th Birthday
As a seasoned New York theatergoer, I experienced her immense talents many times and today is cause to recall a few of her unheralded performances. [more]
Remembering Denise Winters (1953 – 2019)
Elaine Stritch and I were among the many stars and strivers whom this preeminent and gracious NYC photographer vividly rendered by her profound portraits. [more]
A 2019 Ten Best List
These superior revivals, bold new plays and a terrific solo show were the most fascinating and memorable productions I experienced this year.
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Dear Laurie Lawrence
The late NYC performer’s 60th birthday was commemorated by a lovely concert at The Duplex with the proceeds benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. [more]
Film review: “Leonard Soloway’s Broadway”
The life of the prolific theater producer whose career began in the 1940’s is chronicled in this eventful and entertaining show business documentary.
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Remembering Mary E. Allen (1954 – 2019)
Searching Facebook recently, I discovered that a brilliant, colorful and unsung creative figure I encountered in my youth, died earlier this year. [more]
Book review: “Still Here: The Madcap, Nervy, Singular Life of Elaine Stritch” by Alexandra Jacobs
Admirers of the legendary performer should be enthralled by this quite probably definitive chronicle of her life and career that’s written with zest.
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Pauline Kael: Reflections upon her centennial
Today is the centennial of that irascible and preeminent American film critic and I offer my thoughts and reminiscences upon this significant occasion. [more]
Remembering Duane Bodin (1932-2018)
The death of a long inactive performer with a fine career during Broadway’s Golden Age understandably went unnoticed. He was my neighbor in the 1980’s. [more]
Reflections of Derek Jarman
The iconoclastic gay British film director sadly died 25 years ago today at the age of 52 from AIDS. Encountering him from afar made a great impression on me. [more]
Book review: “And One More Thing ” by Quentin Crisp
A delightful new collection of material from that flamboyant sage. There’s the script of his one-man show, unseen poems and pithy observations galore.
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Quentin Crisp: Naked Hope
The young British actor Mark Farrelly brilliantly channels the 20th century cultural icon’s witty presence in his highly theatrical self-written solo show. [more]
The Return of Bina Sharif
Darryl Reilly, Critic “I’m not a real dancer but in this play, I celebrate my health.” Bina [more]
A 2018 Ten Best List
Darryl Reilly, Critic There were so many exceptional original plays among the 144 productions that [more]
If Loving Yule is Wrong, I Don’t Want to be Right
Darryl Reilly, Critic “Nothing brings you closer than almost breaking a hip together!” cracks [more]
“Don’t Call Me Shirley!: John Burns sings Shirley Bassey”
Darryl Reilly, Critic John Burns and William Demaniow at The Duplex. “At first glance, we don’t [more]
Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn’s Cultural Medallion Dedication
Darryl Reilly, Critic Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy. “The Fourposter transformed our lives [more]
A Portrait of Maureen Stapleton
Darryl Reilly, Critic Maureen Stapleton by Raphael Soyer (1968) This striking portrait of Maureen [more]
Harold Pinter and Nicholas Hytner: Balancing Acts
Nicholas Hytner’s vivid accounts of two striking interactions with Harold Pinter are the standout highlights from his memoir, "Balancing Acts: Behind the Scenes at London's National Theatre." These revealing episodes will thrill devotees of the great and temperamental playwright. [more]
Doric Wilson: An Eminent Outlaw
Darryl Reilly, Critic Doric Wilson circa 2011. “Making magic out of nothing,” is how Doric [more]
Frank Langella is 80: A Stream of Consciousness Tribute
Darryl Reilly, Critic It is not widely known that among Frank Langella’s many accolades, [more]
A 2017 10 Best List
Darryl Reilly, Critic Looking back at the 128 performance reviews I wrote for Theaterscene.net in [more]
Book review: “The Last Word” by Quentin Crisp
The only thing in my life I have wanted and didn’t get was to be a woman. It will be my life’s biggest regret. If the operation had been available and cheap when I was young, say when I was twenty-five or twenty-26, I would have jumped at the chance. My life would have been simpler as a result. I would have told nobody. Instead, I would have gone to live in a distant town and run a knitting wool shop and on one would ever have known my secret. I would have joined the real world and it would have been wonderful. [more]
William Hickey: Reminiscences
Darryl Reilly, Critic “I have to go to L.A., to lose the Oscar to Don Ameche,” was William [more]
Steven Berkoff is 80: An Appreciation
Darryl Reilly, Critic There were so many brave young actors and actresses whom one felt were [more]
Laurie Lawrence (1959-2017)
Darryl Reilly, Critic “She was very clear that she wanted her life to be celebrated, not [more]
John Simon is 92 today
Darryl Reilly, Critic “For Darryl who isn’t Wally Shawn,” meticulously inscribed John [more]